Muriquis are not 'wolly spider monkeys'
- Jay Alexander
- Sep 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Here we focus on the Northern Muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanththus) of the Mata Atlântica of Brasil. Just a small selection from photographer Theo Anderson Ferreira one of the top muriqui photographers in the world. The Muriqui monkey is the subject of Rainforest Eye’s latest Youtube nature documentary, which Theo contributed significantly to. His work takes an in-depth look at this monkey and their natural habitat, in particular focusing on the group of northern muriquis in RPPN Sossego reserve, in Minas Gerias, Brasil. But first we need to get one thing out of the way: muriqui monkeys (the northern and the southern) are not wolly monkeys and they are not spider monkeys!
Muriquis, which are currently critically endangered, are the largest primate in the Americas. By some people in English speaking countries they are sometimes referred to as the woolly spider monkey. Because they vaguely look like a cross between the two species. But that is a lazy classification, because although they are in the same family Atelidae, they have significant differences. For starters they are larger, display a different color coat of hair, and have a face that more closely resembles an ape like a gibbon or chimpanzee. They are also strictly herbivores feeding on leaves, fruit, flowers and tree bark. While woolly monkeys and spider monkeys occasionally eat insects and bird eggs. They also have a significantly more peaceful disposition, and are considered one of the most peaceful primates in the world. While woolly and spider monkeys are more aggressive and territorial, even towards humans. Meanwile a muriqui will peacefully look back at you, or ignore you completely.
If you are ever in Brazil, it is absolutely worth it to come see these unique majestic monkeys in the wild. Ecotourism helps protect the muriquis and their Atlantic forest habitat.
Watch Rainforest Eye's muriqui documentary here:
To See more of Theo's photography of muriquis and the nature of RPPN Sossego Reserve:
